Members of Texas theft ring sentenced

Two members of an organized theft ring in the Dallas, TX, area have been sentenced for their role in the theft of a trailer, recreational vehicles, a tractor, televisions and more.

Arnold A. Zamora, 40, of Royce City, owned two tractors used in an operation that targeted “high dollar shipments in the Dallas area,” according to Hunt County Assistant District Attorney Calvin Grogan.

Several loads were taken from Mile High Logistics Inc. of Lebanon, TN. Mile High’s trailers were equipped with LoJack tracking technology and tracked to Zamora’s property.

Grogan said that Mile High verified the serial numbers of a half a load of Toshiba TVs, which had been stolen a week before.

There were 12 more televisions on Zamora’s property. One TV was in the possession of 37-year-old Yosvani Bacallao-Dominguez, who was also charged in the theft.

Bacallao-Dominguez testified he knew the televisions were stolen and was told he would receive one for himself. Bacallao-Dominguez was charged with a first-degree felony of organized criminal activity and theft of property with a value of more than $200,000.

He conspired with Zamora, Gricel Paola Grijalva, Gisel Cruz and/or Manuel H. Arias-Robaina in stealing the televisions, according to the indictment.

Bacallao-Dominguez pleaded guilty on Oct. 8 to a third-degree felony of theft of property over $20,000 but under $100,000. The indictment states that Bacallao-Dominguez acted with the same individuals in the theft of a 2009 Jayco RV from Nichols Trailer Ranch.

Bacallao-Dominguez was sentenced to two years in state prison on the RV theft, and 10 years of community supervision on both counts on the television thefts, according to court papers. In addition, he must pay $5,200 restitution.

Zamora was found guilty on May 7 on a third degree felony charge of theft of property valued at $20,000 or more but less than $100,000 by aggregate amount. The indictment states he worked with Bacallao-Dominguez, Grijalva, Cruz and/or Arias-Robaina in the theft of a 32-foot Zinger RV from its owners; a 2006 Kubota tractor and loader from North Texas Tractor Equipment in Caddo Mills, TX; and a 2009 Vanguard trailer from Glen’s Diesel Inc. in Joplin, MO.

Zamora was also charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and theft of property over $200,000 in the theft of the televisions. In addition, Zamora was charged with a third-degree felony for placement of a serial number with intent to change identity regarding replacing the VIN on the Vanguard trailer. The indictments state he acted with the previously mentioned individuals on both charges.

Zamora was sentenced to five years in state prison and fined $10,000 on the RV, tractor and trailer theft charges. He was sentenced to 20 years to run concurrently and a fine of $10,000 for the organized criminal activity charge. He was sentenced to five years to run concurrently, plus a fine of $10,000 on the VIN number charge.

The case against Arias-Robaina is pending, Grogan said. Charges against Cruz were dismissed. Grijalva, Zamora’s wife, pleaded guilty and has not yet been sentenced. Two other individuals, suspected ring leaders Elvis Pedraza and Giovanni Delpino, are out on bail awaiting December trial dates.